{"id":24028,"date":"2023-11-20T18:00:05","date_gmt":"2023-11-20T10:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nsman.safra.sg\/?p=24028"},"modified":"2023-11-22T13:18:45","modified_gmt":"2023-11-22T05:18:45","slug":"how-to-prevent-common-mens-health-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nsman.safra.sg\/how-to-prevent-common-mens-health-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Prevent Common Men’s Health Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"

November is when the world celebrates Movember \u2013 a movement founded in 2003 to shed light on, and raise funds for, the top health issues that affect men, namely, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Dr Lee Fang Jann, Consultant Urologist, URODOC, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Singapore, with 6,912 cases diagnosed between 2017 and 2021 and the disease accounting for 16.8% of all new cancers diagnosed (Singapore Cancer Registry Report 2021).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTesticular cancer accounts for approximately 1% of all new cancer cases in men. It\u2019s the most common solid cancer in men aged 20 to 35 years.\u00a0For unknown reasons, the incidence of this cancer \u2013 principally, testicular seminomas \u2013 increased during the last century,\u201d Dr Lee adds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many men also experience mental health conditions such as depression, says Michelle Png, Assistant Senior Counsellor, Care Corner Singapore Ltd.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While it\u2019s unclear exactly how many men suffer from depression, a 2018 national survey estimated that one in seven people in Singapore has experienced a mental health condition in their lifetime, Michelle points out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In support of Movember, here\u2019s what you should know about the most common men\u2019s health issues, from risk factors to prevention.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Q: What are some causes of prostate and testicular cancers?<\/h4>\n

Dr Lee:<\/strong> These often result from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. While genetic predisposition can play a role, lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, exposure to carcinogens, and overall health status are significant contributors. Regular screening and early detection can also influence outcomes. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Q: How can these cancers affect a man\u2019s fertility and sexual performance?<\/h4>\n

Dr Lee:<\/strong> Some prostate cancer treatment options, such as surgery and radiation therapy, may impact erectile function and ejaculatory function. Hormone therapy, commonly used for prostate cancer, can also affect sexual desire and function.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In testicular cancer treatment, the surgical removal of one testicle typically does not affect fertility or hormone production. In advanced testicular cancer treatment using chemotherapy or radiation therapy, sperm production and fertility can be affected. Additionally, the diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer can be emotionally challenging, which may indirectly affect sexual desire.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Q: What are some symptoms to look out for in these cancers?<\/h4>\n

Dr Lee:<\/strong> Prostate cancer symptoms may include:<\/span><\/p>\n